55. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement on the Ordinance repealing the Masters and Servants Act in St. Vincent; whether the provision making offences arising out of labour contracts punishable criminally has been repealed; and what are the new regulations regarding the payment of wages?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreSt. Vincent Ordinance No. 16 of 1937, a copy of which is being placed in the Library of the House, prescribes the manner and time of payment of wages. It also repeals the old Masters and Servants Act which contained penal sanctions for offences arising out of labour contracts. The Ordinance provides that labourers' wages shall be paid in money and not otherwise at intervals not exceeding a fortnight, without deductions except for money advances on account of wages.
56. Mr. D. Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement on the recent ordinance in the island of St. Vincent providing for the appointment of a labour commissioner; whether such official has been appointed; and what are his functions?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreA labour commissioner was appointed in St. Vincent last year. In addition to the duties specified in the ordinance referred to by the hon. Member, this officer is required to investigate all matters directly or indirectly concerned with labour conditions in the Colony and to make recommendations to Government for their improvement; to 2000 inquire into and wherever possible settle disputes and grievances; to endeavour to provide employment for those unable to obtain work and to relieve cases of genuine distress; and to collect statistics regarding the amount of employment and unemployment. The total population of St. Vincent is about 48,000.